Abstract: An integrated throttle body for an electronic fuel injection (“EFI”) system and its method of manufacture. The integrated throttle body of the invention comprises a molded throttle body housing in which the throttle valve, shaft, bore and motor housing are all molded in a single shot from a suitable thermosetting resin or thixomolded from magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel injection system for small engines in which the fuel injection system takes the place of traditional carburetors and provides the engine with air, fuel and spark control. The fuel injection system is comprised of an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled with a throttle body, which has an integrated fuel injector. The ECU controls the amount of air that enters a cylinder by controlling the throttle plate, and the ECU controls the amount of fuel entering the air flow by controlling the injector. This fuel injection system offers to smaller engines the many advantages of fuel injected engines over carbureted engines such as increased fuel economy, better cold starting capabilities, lower outputs of harmful emissions and lower engine operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ergonomic manual clutch actuator assembly, and a method for providing the manual clutch actuator assembly, for a straddle-type vehicle or the like. The assembly includes a manual clutch lever pivotally mounted to a handlebar for drawing a clutch cable connected to a clutch actuator mechanism. The clutch actuator mechanism is provided within the housing of the vehicle for cooperating with a distal end of a clutch shaft for disengaging a clutch when the cable is drawn. The clutch actuator assembly requires a first predefined force to pivot the clutch lever away from a normal extended position. A second predefined force, being greater than the first force, is required to further pivot the clutch lever to an intermediate position. Also, a third predefined force is required to maintain the clutch lever in a retracted position, the third force is less than the second force.

Abstract: A handlebar throttle controller includes a cylindrical housing adapted to be rotatably mounted to an end of a handlebar, and a rotary shaft supported within the housing for relative rotation about a longitudinal axis. A first spring angularly biases the shaft toward a first angular position, while at least one of a cam and follower arrangement and a friction element and reaction element arrangement generates a first torque characteristic resisting relative rotation of the shaft when the shaft is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and a second torque characteristic resisting relative rotation of the shaft within the housing when the shaft is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. A sensor on the housing generates an electrical output representative of an instantaneous angular position of the shaft relative to the housing, for use, for example, in an electronic throttle control system.